Jinky Leilanie D.P. Lu
Institute of Health Policy and Development Studies
National Institute of Health
UP Manila
Insecticide Residues in Soil, Water, and Eggplant Fruits and Farmers’ Health Effects Due to Exposure to Pesticides. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 20 (1): 53-62, January 2015.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable crop that is widely cultivated in the tropical and subtropical areas in Asia. Globally, the top three eggplant producers are China, India, and Egypt. The Philippines has been one of the top 10 eggplant-producing countries based on area planted and crop productivity. This study aims to describe the insectiseide residues found in soil, water, and eggplant fruits in eggplant farmers in Sta. Maria, Pangasinan. In this study, the farmers from Sta. Maria, Pangasinan were found to be applying a broad spectrum of insecticides on their eggplant crop. Soil samples were found with insecticide residues. Likewise, 20% of the eggplant samples tested positive for insecticide residues. The farmers and farm workers in the soil and water study reported experiencing itchiness of the skin (63.8%), redness of the eyes (29.3%), muscle pains (27.6%) and headaches (27.6%) as being related to their pesticide exposure. Intervention to reduce the farmers’ pesticide exposure can focus on the risk factors identified, primarily the toxicity of pesticides used the unsafe application practices, and the adverse health effects of pesticide exposure.
Link to the article: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12199-014-0425-3
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Goli Ardestani, Diana Rose O. Rogelio-Gonzales, Roberto C. Reyes and Rita P. Laude
Institute of Biological Sciences
College of Sciences
UP Los Baños
Genetic Diversity of Two Philippine Native Freshwater Goby Species (Perciformes: Gobiidae): Implications for Conservation. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 24 (5): 592–600, October 2014.
Link to the article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.2462/abstract?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 1.756
Louis Angelo Danao
Department of Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
PIV Measurements and CFD Simulation of the Performance and Flow Physics and of a Small-scale Vertical Axis Wind Turbine. Wind Energy, 18 (2): 201–217, February 2015.
Through experiments in a wind tunnel and computer modelling, the performance of vertical axis wind turbines were investigated and the flow around the blades shown. It has been revealed that at low rotation speeds, the turbine blades generate
large vortex structures that indicate flow separation and stall. The efficiency of the wind turbine drops to low values at these conditions. At high rotation speeds, the flow is mostly attached leading to good performance characteristics. Differences between experiments and modelling are not significant.
Link to the article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/we.1690/abstract?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 2.556
Melisa R. Serrano
SOLAIR
UP Diliman
“Gender, Unions and Collective Bargaining in the Philippines: Issues and Critical Factors” in Visibility and Voice for Union Women: Country Case Studies from Global Labour University Researchers. Akua O. Britwum and Sue Ledwith (editors). Munchen, Germany: Rainer Hampp Verlag, 2014.
Sally B. Gutierez
NISMED
UP Diliman
Integrating Socio-scientific Issues to Enhance the Bioethical Decision-making Skills of High School Students. International Education Studies, 8 (1): 142-151, 2015.
One of the basic goals of science education if the development of students’ higher orders thinking skills (HOTS). Critical thinking and bioethical decision-making skills are two of students’ HOTS which can be developed when socio-scientific issues (SSI) are integrated in their life science classes. In this study, results of the related samples and independent samples t-test revealed that SSI integration had a positive effect on students’ responses with more improved critical thinking and decision-making scores aside from enhancing classroom interactions. Moreover, the use of relevant and authentic socio-scientific issues encouraged and allowed students to actively evaluate both the advantages and disadvantages of science in their lives.
Link to the article: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ies/article/view/43883
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Salcedo L. Eduardo
Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
UP Los Baños
Rallicola Johnston and Harrison 1911 and Eulaemobothrion Ewing 1929 Species (Mallophaga) Found on Some Philippine Rallidae (Aves: Gruiformes) with Description of a New Species. Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 51 (2): 107-116, 2014.
Five kinds of Philippine rail birds were examined and found infested with four kinds belonging to two genera of biting lice, one of which is new to science and It 
is described, illustrated and named as Eulaemobothrion deocampoae new species. The other three are previously known species namely, Rallicola minutus, Rallicola philippensis and Eulaemobothrion atrum.These biting lice can cause damage to their host most especially in heavy infestation. Some Philippine wild birds population may decrease tremendously due to loss of habitat as a result of human encroachment. Their conservation and preservation may become necessary thru captive breeding. The information on their lice will be useful in the formulating sound management of these birds in captive breeding where these lice may aggravate the already stressed condition caused by confinement.
Link to the article: http://journals.uplb.edu.ph/index.php/PJVM/article/view/1262
Impact Factor: (2014) Not yet available
Christipher Jay T. Robidillo and Nelson R. Villarante
Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics
College of Arts and Sciences
UP Manila
Biosorption of Copper (II) by Live Biomasses of Two Indigenous Bacteria Isolated from Copper-contaminated Water. Philippine Science Letters, 7 (2): 356-371, November 2014.
Intrinsic bioremediation involves the utilization of indigenous microorganisms in the removal and degradation of pollutants. This promising method can be used in the sequestration of highly toxic metals without the threat of possible ecological 
imbalance since the remediating organism is native to the environment to be treated. In this scientific study, we investigated the potential of intrinsic bioremediation of copper using indigenous resistant bacterial flora. Screening and isolation of bacteria were carried out from copper-contaminated water samples of Bol River Reservoir, Marinduque, Philippines. Four copper-resistant bacteria were isolated and purified. The biomasses of the least and most resistant isolates, namely Staphylococcus sciuri and Bacillus fastidiosus, were used as adsorbents for the removal of copper from aqueous solutions. Removal efficiencies depended on pH and biomass dosage, leveled off with time, and decreased with initial copper concentration. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained for B. fastidiosus and S. sciuri compare well with those of other microbes reported in the literature.
Link to the article: http://philsciletters.org/2014/PSL%202014-vol07-no02-p356-371%20Robidillo.htm
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Patrick D. Flores
Department of Arts Studies
College of Arts and Letters
UP Diliman
Speculations on the “International” Via the Philippine. Filozofski Vestnik, 35 (2): 175-191, 2014.
This paper speaks to the condition of the modern by reflecting on its afterlife in the national and the international and its emergence within the colonial. Through examples cited from Philippine art history, the latter is set up as a fundamental moment of the national and the extension beyond it with its perceived others elsewhere in the international system.
Link to the article: http://www.filozofskivestnikonline.com/index.php/journal/article/viewArticle/164
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Charisse T. Reyes and Evelyn B. Rodriguez*
Faculty of Education
UP Open University
*Institute of Chemistry
College of Arts and Sciences
UP Los Baños
Phytochemical Screening and Assessment of Health-related Bioactivities of Phenolic Compounds from Yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. And Endl.) H. Robinson] Leaves and Tubers. Philippine Journal of Crop Science, 39 (2): 1-11, August 2014.
Yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poeppig and Endlicher) H. Robinson] a tuber crop originally cultivated in the Andean region of South America, has been used as food and in traditional medicine by the native inhabitants for centuries. This study determined the nutritional value of yacon grown in Nueva Vizcaya, characterized the phenolic constituents and evaluated their health-related bioactivities. By proximate analysis, a 100-gram sample of freeze-dried tuber was found to contain moderate level of fiber (4.47 g) and high level of carbohydrates (73.8 g). A 100-gram sample of dried leaves contained high levels of protein (15.24 g) and fiber (5.67 g), and moderate level of lipids (2.81 g). Through ICP-OES analysis, it was found that potassium comprised more than 50% of the total mineral content of leaves and tuber. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of phenolics, alkaloids, sesquiterpene lactones, terpenoids and triterpenoids in leaves and tubers. The highest total phenolic content was estimated in the leaf decoction extract (3,489.4 ± 129.9 mg GAE per 100 g sample and 3,484.7± 142.1 mg QE per 100 g sample) using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Descending two-dimensional paper chromatography, TLC and RP-HPLC analyses of the phenolic extracts and their products from acid- and base-hydrolysis showed that caffeic acid and its esters and derivatives were the major phenolic components. Results from chromatographic analyses corroborated by the isolation and identification of the following com-pounds by silica gel open column chromatography, 1H-NMR spectroscopy and melting point determination: caffeic acid from leaf decoction base-hydrolyzed extract, and ferulic acid from leaf decoction acid-hydrolyzed extract. The phenolic extracts were found to have significant DPPH radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, the phenolic extracts exhibited significant anti-lipoperoxidative activity on rat liver microsomes comparable to a commercial supplement containing silymarin extract, which is recommended for hepatoprotection. Using the duck embryo CAM vascular irritation assay, the phenolic extracts were found to possess an anti-inflammatory activity comparable to hydrocortisone.
Link to the article:
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 0.039
Rizavel C. Addawe and Joselito C. Magadia*
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
College of Science
UP Baguio
*School of Statistics
UP Diliman
“Differential Evolution – Simulated Annealing (DESA) Algorithm for Fitting Autoregressive Models to Data” in OPT –i: 1st International Conference on Engineering and Applied Sciences Optimization. M.G. Karlaftis, N.D. Lagaros and M. Papadrakakis (editors). Greece: National Technical University Athens, 2014.
Ken Joffaniel M. Gonzales and Manuel Joseph C. Loquias
Institute of Mathematics
College of Science
UP Diliman
Dually Weigthed Stirling-type Sequences . European Journal of Combinatorics, 43: 55–67, January 2015.
Using symmetric functions, we define a generalization of the Stirling numbers that involves two weight functions. Properties and combinatorial interpretations of these sequences are described.
Link to the article: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195669814001036
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 0.612
Priscilla S. Macansantos
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
College of Science
UP Baguio
A Generalized Nadler’s Theorem in Dislocated Quasi-Metric Spaces. International Journal of Mathematical Analysis, 8 (49): 2445-2450, 2014.
Fixed points in Mathematics are equilibrium states, which are key features of various physical and natural processes and systems. Multi-valued mappings have also made mathematica
l modeling of systems even more tractable. Fixed Point theorems in metric-like spaces have been the subject of recent work, with partial metric spaces and similar weaker structures providing suitable structures for studies in theoretical computer science. For these spaces, self-distance need not be zero. Approaches to fixed point theory for point-valued functions on complete metric spaces have been generalized to dislocated quasi-metric spaces. The paper further generalizes recent theorems by considering a less restrictive continuity condition on the multi-valued mapping involved. Apart from enriching the theory of Fixed Points, the result may be used to better deal with denotational semantics of data flow networks.
Link to the article: http://www.m-hikari.com/ijma/ijma-2014/ijma-49-52-2014/macansantosIJMA49-52-2014.pdf
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Ruby P. Napata, Liberty N. Espectato and Genna D. Serofia
Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
UP Visayas
Descriptive Study of the Fisheries Registration and Licensing System in Selected Municipalities of Panay Island, Philippines. Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 17 (2): 69-77, December 2014.
A descriptive study of the fisheries registration and licensing system was undertaken in selected sites in Panay namely: Brgy. Culasi, Roxas City, Capiz; Brgy. Polopina, Concepcion, 
Iloilo; and Brgy. Pinamuk-an, New Washington, Aklan. Since there is no uniform procedure being implemented at the time this study was conducted, the process and requirements for the registration and licensing system of the three study sites varies. Compliance rate for fisherfolk registration, fishing gear and fishing boat licensing is highest in Concepcion compared to New Washington and Roxas City. This can be attributed to the effective strategy and active efforts of the LGUs in implementing the program. The municipality of Concepcion has also demonstrated that “one- stop-shop” strategy of bringing the registration team to the people can increase fishers’ compliance. The paper also presented some policy recommendations for the LGUs to improve its fisheries registration and licensing system. It include determining the carrying capacity of the resource as basis for limiting entry, standardizing the registration and licensing procedure, establishing a fair basis for license fees, and providing funds for the establishment and maintenance of a databank of fishers and the status of their registration and licensing.
Link to the article: http://journals.uplb.edu.ph/index.php/JESAM/article/view/1275
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 0.103
Geoffrey M. Ducanes
School of Economics
UP Diliman
“Migration Transition in Asia: Revisiting Theories in the Light of Recent Evidence” in Global and Asian Perspectives on International Migration. Graziano Battistella (editor). Switzerland: Springer International Publishing Switzerland, 2014.
Merlyn C. Cruz and Cynthia T. Hedreyda
National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
College of Science
UP Diliman
Evaluation of Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase Production in Escherichia coli Clinical Isolates from Three Hospitals in Luzon, Philippines. Philippine Science Letters, 7 (2): 438-444, December 2014.
Identification of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Producing and Antibiotic Resistant Escherichia coli from 3 Hospitals in Luzon
Increased spread of pathogens producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes that result in exhibiting extensive antibiotic resistance has been a serious problem worldwide. Absence of fast and accurate detection protocol for ESBL producers had contributed to treatment failures in ESBL-associated infections. This study focused on the isolation and evaluation of E. coli isolates from 3 hospitals in Luzon in order to obtain confirmed ESBLs. These isolates will be used in conducting experiments to gain information about their antibiotic resistance that will be relevant to developing procedures for their detection. Out of 119 pathogenic E. coli isolates from clinical samples such as urine, wound, body aspirates and blood, 37 (31%) were identified as suspected ESBLs using a preliminary test and 27 of 37 suspected ESBLs were confirmed as ESBL producers based on a test referred to as double-disk synergy test (DDST). The highest percentage of ESBL-producing E. coli was obtained from urine specimens while lowest percentage ESBL was from blood samples. All the ESBL-positive isolates exhibited resistance to cefotaxime and to levofloxacin. Co-resistance to other antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and cefepime was also noted in some isolates. Susceptibility of ESBL-producers remains high towards carbapenems. These findings point out to the urgent need to develop a fast and accurate detection protocol (including a molecular approach) for ESBL-producing pathogens.
Link to the article: http://philsciletters.org/2014/PSL%202014-vol07-no02-p438-444%20Cruz.pdf
Impact Factor: Not yet available
A. Mittsu G. Sarmago and Cynthia T. Hedreyda
National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
College of Science
UP Diliman
Sequence Analysis of the Complete Cathecol 1,2-Dioxygenase Gene in Acinetobacter baumannii Strain OS1. Philippine Science Letters, 7 (2): 406-412, December 2014.
Sequencing a Bacterial catA Gene That Codes for an Enzyme Involved in Degrading Oil Pollutants
Accidental oil spills in different parts of the world have caused serious environmental pollution, including the Philippines. This study is part of a biotechnological approach in solving problems of oil pollution. It involves the isolation of bacteria that produce enzymes for oil degradation and the isolation of the genes for such enzymes. The genes will be introduced into host bacterium that is designed to be capable of producing the enzymes coded for by the introduced genes. The host cells will be grown in large quantities to produce the enzymes. The catA gene that codes for an enzyme catechol 1,2-dioxygenase for oil degradation was detected in a bunker oil-degrading strain of bacterium identified as Acinetobacter baumannii strain OS1. The complete gene for catechol 1,2-dioxygenase from strain OS1 was therefore isolated followed by subsequent sequence analysis. The complete catA gene with 921nucleotides are expected to translate into a protein with 306 amino acids. The catA gene from the strain OS1 exhibited a 10-nucleotide variation with catA from strains AB307-0294, AB0057, and AYE in the database. A 19-nucleotide difference was observed between strain OS1 and strain SDF catA. The ten nucleotide variation of OS1 with AB307-0294, AB0057, and AYE is not expected to translate into amino acid difference in catechol 1,2-dioxygenase while the 19-nucleotide difference of catA in OS! and strain SDF is expected to result in 4 amino acid variation between OS1 and SDF enzyme. The OS1 catA gene is now available for introduction into host cells for enzyme production.
Link to the article: http://philsciletters.org/2014/PSL%202014-vol07-no02-p406-412%20Sarmago.pdf
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Julius Fergy T. Rabago
Institute of Mathematics
College of Science
UP Diliman
On Second-Order Linear Recurrent Homogenous Differential Equations With Period k. Hacettepe Journal of Mathematics and Statistics, 43 (6): 923-933, 2014.
A well-known generalization of Fibonacci numbers is the so-called Horadam numbers. Different problems involving these numbers were formulated and have been extensively studied by many authors. Recently, these numbers were involved in the study of difference and functional equations. In this work, we introduce the concept of recurrent homogenous differential equations with period k and present some of its properties. We also show that if w is the general solution to a recurrent differential equation, then the sequence {w((n+1)k)(x)/w(n)(x)} converges to some real number α as x increases without bound.
Link to the article: http://www.hjms.hacettepe.edu.tr/uploads/7c9bcb42-482b-427e-ba08-c110f6ad40cb.pdf#page=43
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 0.433
Mikaela Irene D. Fudolig and Jose Perico H. Esguerra
National Institute of Physics
College of Science
UP Diliman
Analytic Treatment of Consensus Achievement in the Single-type Zealotry Voter Model. Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 413: 626–634, 1 November 2014.
Picture this: a jury has to decide whether or not the defendant is guilty. The jury is in deliberation, and consensus is needed. But what if some members can’t be swayed? Will the jury 
reach consensus faster or slower? In our research, we examined the voter model. In our jury example, this would mean that jury members are more likely to pick an opinion that is supported by more. With the voter model, having many zealots with the same opinion will make consensus achievement faster. The more zealots, the faster consensus can be reached. However, zealotry does not always hasten consensus — if there are only a few zealots, like one or two, consensus is actually delayed. To get this result, we used a simple analytic method called first-step analysis (FSA). Unlike simulations, analytic methods provide little to no error, and yet allows a more comprehensive analysis of parameter effects. Currently, however, analytic methods are difficult to implement, requiring complicated mathematics. We use FSA because it is simpler – and yet provides just as much analytic power. Instead of dealing with differential equations, we worked with matrix operations at the early undergraduate mathematics level. Easy, exact, and powerful. Zealots are present in many voting populations, big or small. And in these populations, consensus is often critical. Our research helps us understand how zealotry can affect consensus – and from this, how to utilize zealotry to campaign for your beliefs.
Link to the article: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378437114006025
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 1.722
Bryan B. Pajarito
Department of Chemical Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
Moisture Sorption of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Aligned and Notched Triangular Bars. Mechanics of Composite Materials, 50 (6): 789-800, January 2015.
We developed a finite element model to describe and predict moisture sorption in epoxy composites reinforced with aligned and notched triangular bars made of vinyl ester and glass at 80 0C. The constructed finite element model was found to be initially in good agreement with our experimental results on composites made of vinyl ester. The model starts to deviate from experimental results due to degradation of material during moisture exposure. We then apply the model to predict the influence of bar orientation, alignment, and diffusivity on overall moisture sorption in epoxy composites. We found out that when the bars are treated as glass (zero diffusivity), sorption behavior is only affected by bar orientation.
Link to the article: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11029-015-9468-9
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 0.451
Laura T. David, Evangeline T. Magdaong, Maria Lourdes San Diego-McGlone, Cesar L. Villanoy and Kristina SA. Cordero-Bailey
Marine Science Institute
College of Science
UP Diliman
The Saga of Community Learning: Mariculture and the Bolinao Experience. Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 17 (2): 196-204, 2014.
Food in the Philippines is highly dependent on fisheries with a per person fish consumption of 30kg/yr. This is nearly twice that of the global average of 16kg/yr. Combined with the population increase, these pose pressure on the food security of the country. Mariculture offers a practical solution. Similar to animal husbandry/livestock as a supplemental and in most instances substitute to wild game hunting. The development of mariculture in the Philippines has been supported by Republic Act 8550 (The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998), a legal instrument that supports the establishment of mariculture facilities in waters of all coastal municipalities. However, mariculture practice is not without its problems. Since it gained popularity in the 70’s, episodic fish kills have plagued this industry. Contributing factors include harmful algal blooms, reduced flushing rates, warming waters, hypoxia, and eutrophication. Moreover, each action leading to a fish kill not only affects the mariculture industry but also compromises surrounding habitats.The case of Bolinao-Anda, Pangasinan is presented to highlight the multi-faceted process for a successful mariculture. In particular, we make use of remotely sensed image to show the on-the-ground response of the stakeholders to various local legislation, mariculture disasters, and scientific recommendations. We then assess the efficacy of the responses using hydrodynamic models and pinpoint future adjustments necessary to make this essential enterprise productive once more.
Link to the article: http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/2cCfWWGXkjrnGrWTShnm/full#.VUqG4Y5Viko
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 1
Farisal U. Bagsit, Rodelio F. Subade* and Josefa T. Basco**
Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
UP Visayas
*Division of Social Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
UP Visayas
**BIDANI
UP Visayas
Do Adaptation and Coping Mechanisms to Extreme Climate Events Differ by Gender? The Case of Flood-Affected Households in Dumangas, Iloilo, Philippines. Asian Fisheries Science, Special Issue, 27S: 111-118, 2014.
Catchy title of research: Gender in the face of crisis
This article highlights that women and men can work in complementary ways in responding to the impacts of extreme events like typhoon and flooding. It builds on the experiences of 
the women and men in the coastal barangays of Cayos and Bantud Fabrica in the Municipality of Dumangas, Iloilo, in the aftermath of Typhoon Frank which devasted the Western Visayas region in the Philippines in 2008. In spite of the observed preferences of women and men respondents in their adaptation, coping and alternative livelihood choices, statistical analysis show no significant difference in their responses. This study suggests that local leadership should be more pro-active and should adopt strategies that will enhance women’s participation in increasing awareness and vulnerability assessment activities so that women will not be too reliant on men during disasters but instead, be an active partner in disaster risk reduction and management.
Link to the article: http://www.asianfisheriessociety.org/publication/archivedetails.php?id=126#
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Leonila A. Corpuz-Raros
Crop Protection Cluster
College of Agriculture
UP Los Baños
First Reports of Galumnellidae (Acari, Oribatida) from the Philippines, with Description of Galumnella junichiaokii sp. n. Acarina, 22 (2): 85-91, 2014.
Catchy title of research: First reports of large-winged soil mites belonging to the family Galumnellidae(Acari, Oribatida) from the Philippines, including a newly discovered species, Galumnellajunichiaokii, sp. nov.
This paper reports the presence of a relatively rare family of large-winged oribatid soil mites in the Philippines,namely, the family Galumnellidae. The family is represented by two species collected from Mt. Makiling, PorogalumnellareductaMahunka and GalumnellajunichiaokiiErmilov, Corpuz-Raros and Shimano. The first species was first discovered by Mahunka in 1995 from Sabah, Malaysia in Borneo Island.Its occurrence in the Philippines is the first record outside Borneo. The second species is new to science and being such, a new scientific name is assigned to comply with requirements of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.For the assigned name to become available for use by other zoologists or scientists all over the world and at all times, a detailed morphological description is given, including illustrations of characters by which it differs from the most closely similar species. Like other oribatids, galumnellidsform part of the soil microfauna that are important in nutrient cycling because of their role in communition of organic debris to sizes suitable for chemical action by microbial agents of decomposition. Because of their mobility, they helpdispersespores of these microbes in the soil subsystem. In addition, some species oribatids are known to serve as intermediate hosts of anoplocephalinecestodesparasitizing domestic animals.Knowledge on oribatidtaxonomytherefore provides part of databaseneeded not only in managing the soil towards environment-friendly crop production systems, but also for the management of parasites of domestic animals.
Link to the article: http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/acarina/PDFS/2014_2/Ermolov2014_Galumnellidae_Acarina_22_2_4.pdf
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Leonila A. Corpuz-Raros
Crop Protection Cluster
College of Agriculture
UP Los Baños
The Oribatid Subgenus Galumna (Galumna) (Acari,Oribatida, Galumnidae) in the Philippines. ZooKeys, 452: 1-13, 2014.
Catchy title of research: Discovery of a new species and three new three records of large-winged soil mites belonging to the subgenus Galumna (Galumna) (Acari,Oribatida,Galumnidae) from the Philippines
This paper reports the discovery of a new species of large-winged oribatid mite, Galumna (Galumna) makilingensis from Mt. Makiling, the forest reserve of the University of the 
Philippines Los Banos. Three other species that were first discovered in India, Sumatra and Vietnam, were also found to exist in Mt. Makiling, UPLB campus, and several localities in other areas of Luzon, Panay and Mindanao Islands. These records extend the known distribution of these species to other countries of the Oriental Zoogeographical Region of which the Philippines is part. The new species is described in detail as required by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Thereby, the scientific name assigned here becomes available to all scientists worldwide and through time. The characters by which the new species can be identified are illustrated. A supplementary description is also provided for an inadequately described species, G. (G.) craneta Deb and Raychaudhuri, based on Philippine specimens. The paper is the first output of taxonomic research collaboration with colleagues from Tyumen State University in Russia. Like other oribatids, galumnids form part of the soil microfauna that are important in nutrient cycling because of their role in communition of organic debris to sizes suitable for chemical action by microbial agents of decomposition,and dispersal of spores of these microbes in the soil subsystem. In addition some species of the genus Galumna have been proven to serve as intermediate hosts of anoplocephalinecestodes of domestic animals including the tapeworm of sheep. Knowledge on oribatid taxonomy therefore provides part of database needed not only in managing the soil towards environment-friendly crop production systems, but also for the management of parasites of domestic animals.
Link to the article: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4258630/
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 0.917
Jose Dalisay Jr.
Department of English and Comparative Literature
College of Arts and Letter
UP Diliman
The Clarity of Things. Westerly, 59 (2): 47-62, 2014.
This is a short story about Ciriaco and Lumen Lagman, who migrate to Australia in hopes of a better life but whose marriage unravels from the pressures of work and loneliness. An extraordinary circumstance draws them back together after years of painful separation. This is Dalisay’s first new story in the last few years, and departs from the usual depiction of Filipinos in the US to shift the focus to Australia.
Link to the article: http://westerlymag.com.au/issue/westerly-59-2/
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Jason R. Albia and Marvin A. Albao
Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics
College of Arts and Sciences
UP Los Baños
Adsorption and One-Dimensional Growth of Al and In Chains on Si(100): 2×1: A Kinetic Monte Carlo Approach. Adsorption Science & Technology, 32 (9): 748-757, 2014.
Catchy title of research: Predicting one-dimensional nanowire growth on Si(100):2×1: A kinetic Monte Carlo Approach
It is widely agreed that nanostructured materials will be the main building block of future electronic systems. One of the most prominent nanostructured materials being considered for 
nanoscale devices are semiconductor nanowires. To be able to exploit the technological value of nanowires, fundamental concepts on the dynamics of adsorption and growth should be established. Group III metals such as Al and In grown on Si(100) has been used as the prototypical model to investigate the underlying mechanism on nucleation and subsequent growth in 1D regime. In this study, we performed a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of a suitable atomistic lattice gas model that describes the nucleation and growth of Al and In on Si(100). To make the model more realistic, C-defects, which serve as nucleation centers for diffusing adatoms was included. We investigated the resulting average island density (Nav) and size (Sav) of both systems (Al/Si(100) and In/Si(100)) as the growth parameters, i.e., temperature, C-defect density, coverage, flux rates vary. Simulation results are generally consistent with theoretical predictions. The influence of C-defect on the resulting nanowires morphology is metal specific. Average island density generally increases with defect density. In has a very strong preference to nucleate on C-defect site compared with Al. For both systems, the average island density shows a ‘power law’ dependence on coverage. The effect of varying flux rates is also dependent on the type of metal. Al/Si(100) shows a significant dependence as indicated by considerable variations in the calculated Nav and Sav values, whereas In/Si(100) is insensitive to flux rates. If the density of C defect present on Si(100) is controlled, the resulting morphology of the In/Si(100) system is predictably easier to control.
Link to the article: http://multi-science.atypon.com/doi/abs/10.1260/0263-6174.32.9.749
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 0.93
Louis Angelo M. Danao
Department of Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
Influence of Operating Conditions on Unsteady Wind Performance of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Operating within Afluctuating Free-stream: A Numerical Study. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 135: 76–89, December 2014.
Catchy title of research: Computer simulations on the influence of unsteady wind and blade thickness on the Performance and Aerodynamics of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines.
Through computer modelling, the effects of fluctuating wind speeds and two airfoil thicknesses on the performance of vertical axis wind turbines were investigated. It has been revealed that the efficiency of the wind turbine fluctuates as the wind speed does. The study shows a detrimental effect of non-uniform wind speeds to the overall performance of a vertical axis wind turbine.
Link to the article: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167610514002189
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 1.698
J. Neil C. Garcia
Department of English and Comparative Literature
College of Arts and Letter
UP Diliman
Reclaiming the Universal: Postcolonial Readings of Selected Anglophone Poems by Filipino Poets. Humanities Diliman, 11 (2): 1-30, 1 July 2014.
Link to the article: http://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/humanitiesdiliman/article/viewArticle/4453
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Eukene O. Bensig, Mary Joyce Flores and Fleurdeliz Maglangit
Sciences Cluster
UP Cebu
Assessment of the Water Quality of Buhisan, Bulacao and Lahug Rivers, Cebu, Philippines Using Fecal and Total Coliform as Indicators. Current World Environment, 9 (3): 570-576, 2014.
Catchy title of research: Coliform levels of Buhisan, Bulacao and Lahug Rivers.
An assessment of the microorganisms (i.e. coli forms) can provide an indication of the water quality status of the rivers. Fecal coliforms (FC) are normally associated with the fecal 
matter from warm bloodied animals while total coli forms (TC) are naturally occurring. Their presence in the rivers indicates fecal contamination, thereby posing a health risk. Further, high inputs of wastewater into the waterways can magnify their numbers which can disrupt natural processes leading to water quality impairment. Lastly, the lack of scientific studies that could address the real status of the rivers as well as tests and monitoring of the biological component of the 3 rivers were not carried out. There are no existing databases that can provide information on water quality to allow for comparisons and trend analysis; to identify high risk areas; and to allow prioritization of water quality parameters to be monitored. In consequence, the health/ill health of the rivers was not ascertained. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the water quality of the rivers namely, Buhisan, Bulacao and Lahug. Specifically, it aimed to )measure the TC and FC levels of the three rivers and compare the coliform levels in space and time.
Link to the article: http://www.cwejournal.org/vol9no3/assessment-of-the-water-quality-in-buhisan-bulacao-and-lahug-rivers-cebu-philippines-using-fecal-and-total-coliform-as-indicators/
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Vicente Belizario Jr.*, Francis Isidore Totañes*, Manuel Jorge and Concepcion Ang
*National Institute of Health
Philippine General Hospital
UP Manila
Integrated Surveillance of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Paragonimiasis in Zamboanga del Norte, the Philippines. Pathogens and Global Health, 108 (2): 95-102, March 2014.
Catchy title of research: Integrated surveillance of pulmonary tuberculosis and paragonimiasis in Zamboange del norte, the Philippines.
Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and paragonimiasis remain as health problems in certain areas in the Philippines. Both share similar clinical manifestations, which include chronic productive cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea, fever, weight loss, and night sweats. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTB, paragonimiasis, and co-infections in Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. This study was conducted in selected villages in two municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte. Patients with chronic cough were interviewed, examined, and requested to submit two sputum samples which were processed using Ziehl–Neelsen method to detect acid-fast bacilli (AFB), and NaOH concentration technique for the detection of Paragonimus ova. A total of 836 patients submitted sputum samples for examination. Prevalence was 6·7% (2·5–12·7%) for paragonimiasis and 1·9% (0·9–6·3%) for PTB. Co-infection rate was 0·3%, with two identified cases. Positivity rates for males and females were 9·6 and 5·8% for paragonimiasis and 3·4 and 1·2% for PTB. Pulmonary tuberculosis and paragonimiasis are co-endemic in Zamboanga del Norte, suggesting the need to integrate surveillance and control efforts. Strengthening local health systems through collaboration between different sectors is recommended for effective disease control. Development of more sensitive diagnostic tests is important for more accurate disease surveillance.
Link to the article: http://www.maneyonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/2047773214Y.0000000129
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 0.841
Francis Isidore Totañes and Vicente Belizario Jr.
National Institute of Health
UP Manila
Fear of Birth Defects Is a Major Barrier to Soil-Transmitted Helminth Treatment (STH) for Pregnant Women in the Philippines. PLOS One, 9 (2): e85992, 7 pages, February 2014.
Catchy title of research: What is the major hindrance in implementing deworming among pregnant women?
The World Health Organization recommends anthelminthic treatment for pregnant women after the first trimester in soil-transmitted helminth (STH) endemic regions to prevent adverse maternal-fetal consequences. Although studies have shown the high prevalence of infection in the Philippines, no research has evaluated deworming practices. We hypothesized that pregnant women are not receiving deworming treatment and we aimed to identify barriers to World Health Organization guideline implementation. We conducted key informant interviews with local Department of Health (DOH) administrators, focus group discussions with nurses, midwives, and health care workers, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices surveys with women of reproductive age to elicit perspectives about deworming during pregnancy. Key informant interviews revealed that healthcare workers were not deworming pregnant women due to inadequate drug supply, infrastructure and personnel as well as fear of teratogenicity. Focus group discussions showed that healthcare workers similarly had not implemented guidelines due to infrastructure challenges and concerns for fetal malformations. The majority of local women believed that STH treatment causes side effects (74.8%) as well as maternal harm (67.3%) and fetal harm (77.9%). Women who were willing to take anthelminthics while pregnant had significantly greater knowledge as demonstrated by higher Treatment Scores (mean rank 146.92 versus 103.1, z = −4.40, p<0.001) and higher Birth Defect Scores (mean rank 128.09 versus 108.65, z = −2.43, p = 0.015). This study concludes that World Health Organization guidelines are not being implemented in the Philippines. Infrastructure, specific protocols, and education for providers and patients regarding anthelminthic treatment are necessary for the successful prevention of STH morbidity and mortality among pregnant women.
Link to the article: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0085992
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 3.534
Sheryl Lozel Arreola
Institute of Chemistry
College of Arts and Sciences
UP Los Baños
Nature and Biosynthesis of Galacto-oligosaccharides Related to Oligosaccharides in Human Breast Milk. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 353: 89-97, 2014.
Link to the article: http://femsle.oxfordjournals.org/content/353/2/89.abstract
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 2.723
Sheryl Lozel Arreola
Institute of Chemistry
College of Arts and Sciences
UP Los Baños
Two β-Galactosidases from the Human Isolate Bifidobacterium breve DSM 20213: Molecular Cloning and Expression, Biochemical Characterization and Synthesis of Galacto-Oligosaccharides. PLOS One, 9 (8): e104056, 13 pages, August 2014.
Link to the article: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0104056
Impact Factor: (2013/2014) 3.534
